What Are the Possible Causes of Ankle Hurt?

Ankle pain refers to any type of pain or discomfort affecting any part of the ankle. Ankle soreness can be a result of a number of factors. The most common causes include injury, arthritis, and normal wear and tear. Depending on the cause, you may feel pain or stiffness all around your ankle. It’s possible that your ankle will also swell and you won’t be able to put any weight on it. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medicines usually help with ankle pain. Healthcare experts can treat these injuries and arthritis and many issues are usually treated without the need for surgery. If the injury is severe, such as a shattered ankle bone, or if your ankle discomfort does not improve with nonsurgical treatment, surgery is then required.

11 Causes of Ankle Pain

Sprains and Injuries

One of the most prevalent causes of a hurting ankle is a sprained ankle. It is a result of injury to the ankle ligaments, which cause them to partially or completely rip due to sudden stretching. This type of issue is most commonly results from twisting the ankle while playing sports or stepping on a slick or uneven surface. You’ll know if you’ve sprained your ankle since it’s painful and often comes with a popping sound.
Furthermore, because of the wounded blood vessels, the area expands, making it difficult to move your ankle. Both the inner and outside regions of the ankle joint are susceptible to damage.

Lupus

An autoimmune illness causes your body to attack healthy tissue. Lupus patients frequently have joint discomfort, especially ankle pain. This is due to lupus-related tendinopathy and arthritis. Lupus can also cause renal difficulties, which can result in fluid buildup in the joints. Lupus has no cure, but a doctor can prescribe drugs to help you manage it. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can also assist.

Reactive Arthritis

Arthritis symptoms are mostly a result of bacterial infection in another part of your body, such as your genitals or bowels. And one of the most common places impacted by reactive arthritis, also known as spondyloarthropathy, is your ankles. Swelling and soreness in your knees, heels, and toes are possible.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Germs are generally combated by your immune system. These germs may unintentionally harm your joints and can lead to rheumatoid arthritis. The same joints are usually affected on both sides of your body and it tends to make your ankles hurt when it affects you. Pain, swelling, and stiffness frequently begin in the toes and front of the foot, then progress to the ankle. Physical therapy and exercise can be beneficial. Your doctor may also prescribe pain relievers such as specific shoes or inserts, as well as anti-swelling medicines.

Gout

The most common site for a gout attack is your big toe, although it can also affect your ankle. It occurs when uric acid, a waste product, crystallizes into needle-like crystals in your joints. This results in excruciating pain and swelling. An attack can be treated with drugs prescribed by your doctor. You’ll also need to take a break. Future attacks and associated difficulties can be lessened with a particular gout diet and healthy exercise routines as well.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune illness also known as progressive systemic sclerosis. Although the cause is unknown, it is due to your immune system stimulating the overproduction of collagen, a fibrous protein that results in thickened, rigid skin. Scleroderma-related inflammation can cause swelling and damage to many organ systems, tissues, and joints. Ankle stiffness and soreness, as well as pain and stiffness in other joints, are possible side effects.

Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon, which joins your calf muscles to your heel, can be torn by heavy or rapid pressure. Just above your heel, the back of your ankle may swell or feel tender and heated. It’s most noticeable first thing in the morning or after a workout. Anti-inflammatory medicines can help with the discomfort, but rest is essential for recovery. Stretching and heel lifts may be beneficial, but first, consult your doctor or physical therapist. If scar tissue presents issues in the future, surgery may be required.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, is linked to ankle pain. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage between two joints wears down and the bones begin to scrape against each other, rather than the body fighting its own joints. As the problem worsens, it might cause abrupt ankle pain without causing an injury.

Bursitis

Bursitis of the ankle occurs when the little fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that act as cushions between the bones that make up your ankle joint become inflamed. It might occur as a result of an accident, but it can also develop as a result of overuse or stress on the ankle. In some circumstances, arthritis and gout may be to blame. Even an ill-fitting pair of shoes might trigger inflammation and irritation in those sacs. In certain situations, this is a problem that develops slowly, and you may initially experience swelling or pain when standing in a certain position, such as on your toes or leaning back on your heels.

Fallen Arches

The arches of your feet lose support when the tendons that support them are injured, resulting in a condition known as fallen arches. It’s comparable to having flat feet, or pes planus, which occurs when the entire sole of your foot hits the ground instead of allowing a small amount of space between your toes and the ground.

Ankle Pain Remedies

When your ankle is injured, you need to act quickly. Ignoring the pain and failing to take the required actions to heal as quickly as possible is the worst thing you can do.

Home Remedies for Ankle Pain

Here are a few crucial home treatments to help with your aching ankle:

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy

If you’re an athlete, you’ve probably harmed yourself several times and are still in pain. Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment is a promising alternative in this instance. It’s a regenerative treatment that works with your body’s cells to reduce pain and speed up recovery. This method is preferred by patients who require intensive care but do not wish to undergo surgery.

The RICE Method

The rice method is an efficient home treatment for Achilles tendinitis and a wonderful solution for a sprained ankle. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are all acronyms for RICE. To lessen your body’s natural inflammatory response, begin this procedure as soon as possible after your injury or discomfort occurs.

• Rest: The goal of resting is to keep your ankle off the ground for a few days so it can recover correctly. The longer you’re injured, the longer it takes for you to recuperate.
• Ice: Ice helps to reduce swelling, therefore apply it to the affected area many times a day to assist in speeding up recovery and reducing swelling.
• Compression: Wrap your injury in a compression bandage, either static or elastic, to reduce swelling. It helps to reduce swelling and provide stability to your ankle by doing so.
• Elevation: Elevating your leg helps to reduce blood flow to the injury site, which helps to keep fluid away from the area and prevents further inflammation and swelling.